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mary_soon_lee's review
3.0
This is the final book of Carol Berg's Bridge D'Arnath fantasy quartet, and I found it bittersweet to be approaching the end of my time with these characters. I am particularly fond of Paolo, but also found Gerick and Karon very good characters. During the first three books I didn't like Seri as much as I know I was meant to, but in this book I warmed to her more. I also liked the addition of Jen to the story. The book contains many grim sequences, which engrossed me without actually upsetting me, and also has moments of sadness that did upset me. A strong end.
fastasashark's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Spoiler There's so much too say about this series but for now a couple notes. Seri's PoV remained my favourite throughout, but what Carol Berg did with the PoVs in this series in general was worthy of praise imo. I don't think I can recall reading another fantasy series dealing with world(s) changing events but focused solely on the perspectives of parents and their children (with the exception of Jen, who I thought was a great addition to the 4th book), and on familial love. At the same time, this can't be expressed beforehand to potential readers because its absolutely a major spoiler.
Most of this series was very much 5 stars for me, but I have trouble with the way most of the books were concluded and how things were resolved. Other than Son of Avonar (which was flawless imo), each book tended to have me loving every aspect for about 3/4s of the way through. Then the final 1/4 or even just final couple chapters would come and I would be left feel like it fell into place too easily, almost in spite of previous clever setups and interesting twists and turns. I also felt that the ending in Daughter of the Ancients felt a bit rushed. I could have done with the aftermath being a bit more drawn out and with a bit more closure.
All in all, I will definitely reading more series by Carol Berg in the near future. Definitely a unique series and it seems that's the case with many of her books.
Most of this series was very much 5 stars for me, but I have trouble with the way most of the books were concluded and how things were resolved. Other than Son of Avonar (which was flawless imo), each book tended to have me loving every aspect for about 3/4s of the way through. Then the final 1/4 or even just final couple chapters would come and I would be left feel like it fell into place too easily, almost in spite of previous clever setups and interesting twists and turns. I also felt that the ending in Daughter of the Ancients felt a bit rushed. I could have done with the aftermath being a bit more drawn out and with a bit more closure.
All in all, I will definitely reading more series by Carol Berg in the near future. Definitely a unique series and it seems that's the case with many of her books.
photopoppy's review
1.0
SPOILER ALERT
Yeeeesssssss!!!! She FINALLY lets her character die. He's only been trying since the first book in the series....
Yeeeesssssss!!!! She FINALLY lets her character die. He's only been trying since the first book in the series....
westcoastchelle's review
5.0
There are some books whose endings leave you in awe of their perfection. This is one of them. The way the series ties up is just absolutely brilliant. I don't have enough words to express it.
I'm only saddened that this series is not more popular.
I'm only saddened that this series is not more popular.
thatflamyguy's review
4.0
As I was coming to the close of this book, I was telling myself, wow Carol Berg did it again. She writes such deep characters, and just gets the human condition. The Rai-Kirah trilogy was my introduction to Ms. Berg, after which I did not pick up another series by her, because I was saving her for a rainy day.
Well, the rainy days came and I dove into this series with complete confidence that it will be time well spent.
By the time we begin the fourth book, it is an interesting juncture in the series because of the way Book 3 ends. I won't spoil things, so I'll just say that I wasn't sure whether a fourth book was needed.
Well, I discovered, that wow, this was the perfect way to complete this series. I adore Gerick and his strength. If Karon and Serin are the lights of the first three books, Gerick shines brighter in his tender growth into adulthood. Truly, a special, special character.
I love Carol's books for how I remember the characters years later, the way I do with Seyonne and Aleksander.
Well, the rainy days came and I dove into this series with complete confidence that it will be time well spent.
By the time we begin the fourth book, it is an interesting juncture in the series because of the way Book 3 ends. I won't spoil things, so I'll just say that I wasn't sure whether a fourth book was needed.
Well, I discovered, that wow, this was the perfect way to complete this series. I adore Gerick and his strength. If Karon and Serin are the lights of the first three books, Gerick shines brighter in his tender growth into adulthood. Truly, a special, special character.
I love Carol's books for how I remember the characters years later, the way I do with Seyonne and Aleksander.
stephs_bookshelf's review
5.0
Great ending to this series! I cried at the end, it was so sad and beautiful, even just thinking about that certain part makes me tear up!
katmarhan's review
5.0
A very strong ending to a wonderful series. Berg has created a marvelous trio of worlds, populated them with a variety of nuanced characters, and woven them into a complex tale of magic, power, politics, love, betrayal, loyalty, change, and trust. While it appeared there was perhaps little more to say at the end of the third book in the series, Berg capped it off with this fourth book that truly brings the story to a fitting conclusion.
absurtiddy's review
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
klbaileyart's review against another edition
5.0
A great ending to the series. In the earlier books when we were first getting to know Gerick, I wasn't that interested - I wanted to get back to Seri & Karon's story. I LOVED reading about Gerick in this book. Things were tied up nicely, and it was a satisfying end to a great series.
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